St. Louis Mayoral Candidates in Heated Debate

ST. LOUIS (AP) - The first St. Louis mayoral debate is over, and it was a heated one.

The three Democratic candidates - incumbent Francis Slay, Aldermanic President Lewis Reed and former Alderman Jimmie Matthews - squared off Tuesday night at the Central Library Auditorium. The primary election is March 5 and the general election April 2. No Republicans, but one third party candidate, are running.

Slay cited the accomplishments of his 12 years in office, including efforts to rebuilding neighborhoods and make the city more tolerant. But both Reed and Matthews attacked the mayor's record. Reed said the crime rate is too high, corporations have left and Lambert Airport has declined.